SLEEP is often a very emotive subject for parents – particularly those of young children.
Small babies spend the majority of their time asleep, but do wake at frequent intervals, often at the most antisocial hours.
As they mature they start to develop a day/night pattern, and by six months most babies will sleep more at night than in the day, eventually sleeping through the night. By the age of three or four, most children have stopped having regular sleeps in the day.
Although many children are good sleepers, at least a quarter of those under five will have difficulties at some point either settling to sleep or waking during the night.
Night-time waking is quite normal. We all have sleep rhythms with different phases, going through light and deep sleep throughout the night. Every three or four hours we reach light sleep or wake up, though most of us just turn over and go straight back to sleep .
Children go through these phases more quickly and may wake up more often. If they have not learnt to self settle, they may get up and disturb the rest of the family.
What often makes things more difficult is that everyone you ask – whether they are a parent, relative or a professional – will have their own opinions about how you should manage your child's sleep difficulties.
The good news is that for most children, establishing a good sleep pattern is relatively easy if you stick to a few basic rules.
Set a bedtime and stick to it
Have a good bedtime routine for the hour before bed. For example quiet activities, bath, milky drink or snack
Avoid lively games and drinks containing tea or caffeine
Settle the child in their own bed
Have lights off or dimmed
Say goodnight and leave the room
If the child does not settle, or gets up, return them to bed with as little interaction as possible. The same process should be followed if they wake up during the night.
Following these steps is not always easy, particularly if you are exhausted from the previous night. Things may get worse for a night or two, but if you are able to stick to your plan, most children will be sleeping better within days.
If it does not seem to work then contact your local children's centre, health visitor or GP.